Senior Thesis Program​

This specially created course will allow senior students to use all of their academic knowledge gained in the last twelve years to explore a subject of personal interest in great depth. This senior thesis and project will follow a set guideline of due dates to help students pace themselves as they begin to research and construct an idea from conception to birth. All final thesis projects will be publicly presented and displayed. Such thessis could include any exploration of musical interests; from music composition, to music education (from preschool through high school), choral and instrumental conducting, world music studies, etc. Subjects to be explored would be limited only by the students interests. Caravel has had numerous student musicians complete a senior thesis project in music. To facilitate guidance, the administration will have final approval for all topics and will find a teacher advisor who could best help the student within the chosen field of study. This class is meant for serious, dedicated seniors only, but those seniors who do commit will develop a memory and experience that will last a lifetime. Students who choose this elective will be contacted before the start of school to begin the preliminary work for establishing their personal course of study. Enrollment in the course is extremely limited and students must receive permission of the Caravel Administration and faculty advisor.

The Creative Process as It Pertains to Composers: Ryan Meredith, Class of 2018

A 2018 graduate, Ryan Meredith, presenting his Senior Thesis Project, "The Creative Process as it Pertains to Composers". For his project, Ryan worked with Mr. Merritt on refining his composing techniques. Ryan has been composing music for some time prior to taking on his Senior Thesis Project, even winning the State of Delaware's Music Educators Association Composition Award 2 years in a row! Ryan chose to compose a variety of music for his Senior Thesis Project, including works for a trombone ensemble (his primary instrument), choir, marching band, and symphonic band. To perform his choral pieces, he asked the Caravel Academy Women's Ensemble to learn his compositions and perform them during his Senior Thesis Presentation.

An Adventure in Choral Conducting: ​Ryan Doyle, Class of 2017

2017 Graduate, Ryan Doyle, presenting his Senior Thesis Project: 'An Exploration in Choral Conducting'. For his project, Ryan asked for volunteers from the Caravel Elite Ensemble to be a part of his 'Chamber Ensemble' where Ryan selected music and ran rehearsals to teach the pieces he had selected. Working with Mrs. Busovsky, Ryan studied and researched choral conducting techniques and also researched the music and composers he was teaching to the Chamber Ensemble. In addition, Ryan attended the 2017 ACDA (American Choral Director's Conference) as a students where he attended workshops and concerts to gain additional knowledge on choral conducting for his project. Ryan completed his Thesis Project by presenting a concert where he demonstrated his conducting and teaching abilities and also presented power point/ Q & A session to the Senior Thesis Committee on his research. Read more about Ryan:www.delawareonline.com/story/news/education/2017/06/07/caravel-baritone-headed-sydney-opera-house/377412001/